He shakes his head, leaning closer so only I can hear. “Happy.”
The word lands in my chest like a weight and a gift all at once. My throat tightens, and I hug him harder, because I know what he means. Because Steven doesn’t throw words around lightly—if he says happy, he means it. He sees me.
Maggie nods, giving my shoulder a firm pat as Steven steps back. “He’s right. You look really good.”
I give her a grateful smile, squeezing her hand briefly before Will pulls me into a hug. Then I move toward Aurora, who reaches up to gently touch my face. Her fingers linger against my lips as she offers a soft smile.
“Are you happy?” she asks.
Before I can reply, Sam barges in, wrapping both of us up at once. “Group hug, losers!”
“Get off—” Steven groans when he grabs his arm to push him into the hug, but Sam only squeezes tighter, grinning like an idiot. Max and Will pile on seconds later, and suddenly I’mburied under a mountain of arms, laughter, and way too much deodorant.
“Can’t—breathe—” I gasp, but I’m laughing too hard to mean it.
“You must be the famous Vincent Cooper. I couldn’t wait to meet you in person,” says a voice behind us. I turn to find the red-haired girl, the one I suspect isHolly.
I offer my hand, but she rolls her eyes playfully and pulls me into a hug instead. “It’s so good to finally meet you. That grumpy bear of Steven hasn’t shut up about you—I was curious.”
I chuckle, hugging her back. “Nova’s told me a lot about you.”
She steps away, then glances past me. “Speaking of Nova...”
I turn to follow her gaze and find Nova watching me, her eyes brimming with tears. She doesn’t give me a chance to say anything—she launches herself at me, legs locking tight around my waist, arms wrapped desperately around my neck.
“Hey, baby,” I whisper against her ear.
For the first time in her life, Nova sobs out loud, and I hear the sound of her tears—pure joy.
“I—I... I dropped out of college. And I started therapy... I didn’t want to tell you while you were away because I wanted to surprise you... And I put the stars on the ceiling. And I love you. I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” I whisper back, just before she cups my face in both hands and kisses me, after all these long months apart.
Her kiss is frantic, wet with tears, clumsy with desperation. I don’t care.
I devour her like I’ve been starved, like oxygen only exists in her mouth. My hands grip her thighs tight, holding her against me while her legs cling around my waist.
The others cheer, laugh, whistle behind us, but the world narrows down to just her lips, her body, her heat pressed against mine. I set her down only when my lungs scream for air.
“Bedroom,” Nova whispers, breathless against my lips. Her eyes are wild, shimmering with tears and want.
The crowd howls again, Sam’s voice sharp and teasing, making the others laugh: “Called it!”
Maggie groans, “I don’t want to hear this shit—”
I don’t even turn around. I scoop Nova up bridal-style, ignoring the chorus of laughter, and carry her straight to our room.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
Vincent Cooper
PRESENT (2024)
––––––––
“Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.”
Bon Jovi
